The Real Story About the Risks of Fracking

Sorting out the competing claims regarding fracking (hydraulic fracturing) for natural gas sure is challenging. Many energy companies' management and their trade associations repeat the mantra that there are no documented incidents of water contamination from hydraulic fracturing for natural gas. In contrast, numerous videos on community and environmental group websites document individuals setting fire to their homes' faucet and well water following fracturing operations. The real story is obscured by the two sides frequently talking past one another. For far too long, too many companies' management and trade associations have pursued a strategy of "circle the wagons and shoot the messengers," although some are finally wising up and recognizing that stonewalling is not a good strategy for building public trust. As for the community videos, the water contamination episodes...